Will the impact of damaging forest insects increase?

Insects provide many critical ecosystem services, such as pollination, decomposition and pest control. Many beneficial insects appear to be in decline, due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change. Only a small number of insect species have become damaging pests of trees, but their occurrence and impact may unfortunately be increased by climate change. Warmer temperatures are likely to benefit many pest insects, whilst severe weather events may reduce host-tree resistance.

About the series

Aimed at practitioners, the factsheets showcase the breadth of research carried out by Forest Research, sometimes over decades, into how trees and forests are facing the challenges of climate change, and actionable insights into how trees and woodlands can help mitigate the effects of climate change.